Reasons Why You Should Avoid DIY Autobody Work

You want to do the bodywork on your vehicle, but you know without a lot of hands-on experience you’re going to be limited in what you can do. So, are you going to admit that you’re just not ready for that? Will you do it anyway and suffer any unforeseen circumstances? Seriously, what should you do?

It’s probably best to find an auto body shop near me, rather than attempt to do the work on my own. Incurring the costs of mistakes can backfire on you sooner than you think. There are reasons you should avoid do-it-yourself auto bodywork. Here are some of the most important reasons you should put auto bodywork in the hands of a professional.

 

Time Involvement

You think that you’re saving money by doing bodywork yourself, but did you ever take into consideration how long any do-it-yourself repairs will take? When you prep your vehicle for rust repair, sand it, paint it, and allow it to dry, you’re talking about a simple repair job turning into a week-plus endeavor.

 

Health Concerns

There will be residual effects that can impact your health when going the do-it-yourself route. You can breathe in the fumes of paint, dust from particulates, and fiberglass. You’ll deal with fine-grained matter floating in the air along with pieces of extraneous metal. These are just a few of the effects that come with body repair work. For your health, any auto bodywork should include using the right equipment and isolating areas of a shop to handle contaminants.

Matching Paint

Repairing smudges, gashes, cracks or chips are simple tasks that most people think they can do on their own, but touching up these areas isn’t as simple as it looks. If you’re trying to match the exact color of your vehicle, you’ll have to know the various levels of paint that were in use on your car. With new and varied paints, any touch-up work is going to mean making a perfect match and matching paint can be difficult. An exact color match isn’t always going to be the answer.

Many paint formulations require additional coats and unique mixes. This means if you’re doing paint touch-ups yourself, you could wind up with an uneven match. You also need to leave room for any mistakes that you make. A true auto body painter is skilled in the process and has the technique down to a science. With painting, you might just want to leave it to the experts.

 

Costly Tools

When you don’t have the right tools for auto bodywork, even the easiest of jobs become difficult and if you can’t afford to add the right tools to your arsenal, you could be out of luck with do-it-yourself auto bodywork. Also, even if you could purchase the tools, it may limit you on the room to store them in a garage or storage area. An auto body shop will have the right tools to do the job.

 

Rust Removal

Removing rust is another problem that many believe is easy to remedy, but eliminating rust from a vehicle is different. Rust can get into the openings and cracks of your car and become hard to remove. You’ll need the help of professionals for deep rust removal. They know how to rid your vehicle of rust that hides in the deeper regions of your car. Use that rust remover you bought for other projects in your home.

Mechanic Welding

Replacing a Windshield

You may think you can save money by installing your own windshield, but you’ll either have to buy or find a used windshield and the adhesive and other parts to complete the job. Even if you install it yourself, there’s a strong possibility for leaks and loosening.

 

Results of Your Own Repair

Just because there are several videos out there that teach you how to remove dents and other related repairs doesn’t mean you’re going to become an overnight auto body technician. You can easily miss damage that goes unseen by the untrained eye.

Say you decide to do auto body work on surface scratches and you find out that those same scratches are simply concealing something more involved. You may be out of luck with disguising those scratches, as the problem may not be what you think it is. That’s one good reason to allow a professional to examine your vehicle for both surface and underlying damage that may have occurred, particularly when your car involves collision work.

 

Professional Experience

Professional experience is really important with auto bodywork. When you attempt to do your own work, you’ll probably end up needing help with small to even larger repairs, especially if you’ve tried it on your own. The job turns out to be a lot more costly than if you had gone the professional route. If you want a finished and exacting look, there’s no doubt that professional services are the way to go.

 

Less Costly than you Imagine

Putting it all together with the time involved with auto body repair, the equipment used, and the final showroom finish, a professional job is really more affordable. It’s much less costly to do something right the first time around rather than to do the work yourself and then have to take your vehicle to a body shop to repair your costly mistakes.

If you want to know more about auto bodywork or you just have general questions or want to schedule an appointment, contact Elmer’s Auto Body. Call us at (856) 218-0202. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions and help you avoid the pitfalls of doing the work yourself. Our qualified auto body technicians know how to spot underlying conditions plus get your vehicle in pristine condition.

Elmer's Auto Body Washington Township

Different Types Of Rear-End Collision Damage

Rear-end collisions are the most common accidents on the road. In most cases, these accidents are minor and cause little damage to the vehicle. However, damage from this type of accident can cause hidden problems for your car. After an accident, you should have your vehicle inspected by a professional. There are several ways that a rear-end collision can affect your vehicle. If you have been hit, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

 

Look for Hidden Damage

If you are involved in a rear-end accident, there may be little to no damage. Unfortunately, many vehicles have plastic bumpers that can hide damage from an accident. This type of damage is not easily noticeable, but it can cause severe car problems.

Rear-end accidents can cause significant damage to the frame of the vehicle. If the frame is bent, you might not notice it until you take the car to a professional auto body shop. Any damage to the structure creates plenty of issues with the vehicle. In turn, it will be impossible to drive the car. Rear-end damage can also cause problems with the traction control and tires.

Accident damage causes problems with the doors and other vehicle parts. Your doors might not close properly. Other parts of the vehicle will not line up with the rest of the car. Even if the damage does not create immediate problems, you might have issues down the road. Rear-end damage generates stress on the suspension system. As a result, the shocks, struts, and suspension parts begin to wear down.

Hidden Car Damage

Any damage compromises the safety of the vehicle. Your car is designed to handle impacts and accidents. Those components offer some protection for the driver and passengers. If any of these parts are damaged, it may not hold up if you are involved in another accident.

 

Issues With Alignment

After an accident, you might experience some issues with the vehicle’s alignment. A rear-end collision can cause damage to the structure that maintains the vehicle’s alignment. In turn, this damage will affect how the vehicle drives on the road. Alignment issues can cause the vehicle to pull to one side. Your tires might feel like they are not grabbing the road. In icy or rainy conditions, this could be a recipe for disaster. If you notice these problems, you need to have your vehicle inspected.

When you avoid taking care of these issues, your car might experience more severe problems in the future. An improperly aligned vehicle can be harder to maneuver and cause an accident. In other words, you have an unsafe vehicle on the road.

 

Damage To The Trunk

After an accident, your trunk might seem to be in good working order. In some cases, there could be unseen damage. The trunk contains small mechanisms that help it stay closed. A minor accident can damage those mechanisms. As a result, the trunk can pop open as you drive down the road. Your latch might even be difficult to open if there is damage from a rear-end collision.

Once again, you might have issues with the trunk door’s alignment. This damage can make it hard to open or close the trunk. In addition to dealing with this frustrating problem, any gaps can allow water to seep into the trunk area. If this happens to your vehicle, it can damage your belongings. There is also a risk of rust to the inside of your trunk.

Trunk Damage

Electrical Issues

The electrical system of a vehicle can be damaged by a rear-end accident. Any impact can cause the wires to loosen. If there are no problems after the accident, your regular driving habits can separate the wires or cause failures to the rest of the system.

Your tail or brake lights can malfunction. If that happens, it is a dangerous situation on the road. Other drivers might not know if your vehicle is slowing down or stopping. These problems might make it impossible to see your vehicle in low visibility conditions, such as rain or night. Any loose wires can make it difficult for the rest of your electrical features to operate. It might even put stress on the battery.

 

Transmission Problems

A rear-end collision can damage your transmission system. These issues often go unnoticed until the system has failed. In turn, this issue can create more damage to the vehicle as you deal with hefty repair costs. If your car has a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, some of the components are located in the transmission system near the car’s rear. A minor accident can damage or shift these components. If there are any fluid leaks, that can put stress on your transmission.

Rear-end damage is an issue for your exhaust system. The tailpipe is located at the back of the vehicle. When there is a rear-end collision, the impact can push the tailpipe and the exhaust system to the side. You might experience damage to the exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, and other parts of the exhaust system.

All these hidden issues are common after a rear-end collision. Your insurer adjuster or mechanic might not find all the vehicle’s rear-end damage. As a result, this can pose a severe risk down the road.

Car Transmission

Find A Professional Auto Body Shop

It is essential to take your vehicle to a certified collision expert. Minor accidents may leave little visible damage, but there could be issues lurking under the surface. A certified professional can find these problems and prevent any future issues.

If any damage is missed by a mechanic or insurance adjuster, the insurance company will only pay for the noted damage. You might find damage in the future, but your insurance often will not cover those repairs. However, if you take your car to a certified auto body shop, you are assured that they will address the damage.

Looking For An Auto Body Shop Near Me?

Elmer’s Auto Body is ready to repair your vehicle. We specialize in fixing damage from rear-end collisions. If you want to set up a consultation, give our shop a call at (856) 218-0202.

Top 10 Questions To Ask An Auto Body Repair Shop

After your vehicle has been damaged in an accident, you want to get it repaired as soon as possible. Finding a high-quality auto body shop should be your top priority. By asking a few questions, you can choose the right shop with all the qualifications to work on your specific vehicle.

 

Start Your Search

Online reviews can be a useful resource, but these blurbs don’t answer all your questions. There are times when you have a specific concern or need to find out more about the shop’s services. Here are the top 10 questions you need to ask your auto body repair shop.

 

1 – What Are Your Certifications?

You want to make sure that your shop can handle the job. Certifications assure you that the shop and its technicians are qualified to work on your vehicle. You should look for I-CAR and Assured Performance certifications. These designations mean that the shop has the skills to complete a safe and high-quality repair. All auto body shops will be proud of their credentials, and they will showcase them at the shop.

 

Elmer's Auto Body Certifications

 

2 – Do You Have Experience With My Specific Make And Model?

Whether you own a foreign or domestic model, you want to know that the auto body shop has the experience to fix your vehicle. Many shops are certified by specific car manufacturers. With these certifications, you know that they have the training and expertise to repair your vehicle.

 

3 – Will You Work With My Insurance?

When your vehicle has been damaged, you have to contact your insurance company to fix it. You should choose an auto body shop that has a working relationship with your insurance. In many cases, they can help expedite your claim and make the process easier for you.

 

Auto Insurance Deal

 

4 – What Is The Payment Policy?

Most shops have their payment policies posted for the customers to view. These shops outline their policies regarding the materials, labor rates, warranty information, guarantees, and accepted forms of payment. If you don’t see any of this information listed, you need to ask the shop about their specific policies.

 

5 – Are All The Repairs In Writing?

When you take your vehicle in for a repair, you will receive a written estimate. You should not have work done unless you get an estimate. This piece of paper protects you from any unscrupulous body shops. All professional repair shops put everything in writing and explain the repairs to you. After the work is complete, you will get an itemized bill. If there are discrepancies, you can ask for an explanation from the shop. However, the shop must notify you if the actual work will cost more than the estimate.

 

Repairs In Writing

6 – What Type Of Warranty?

Many reputable shops will back up their parts, labor, and other services with a warranty. You do need to find out what the warranty will cover. In some cases, the warranty might only be valid for a certain amount of time. You want to know that if anything goes wrong with the repair, the shop will take some responsibility.

 

7 – Is My Car Covered In The Shop?

Since you will be leaving your vehicle in the shop, you need to know it is protected from accidents. Many auto body shops carry theft and fire insurance. If the car is destroyed, stolen, damaged, or burglarized, does the shop have insurance for those specific calamities? You can verify the auto body shop’s insurance policies. As the vehicle is getting repaired, you must keep paying your insurance premiums. You want to keep your car protected even if you are not driving it for a few days or weeks.

 

Car Shop Coverage

 

8 – What Is The Estimated Repair Time?

Before you bring in your vehicle, you want to know about the amount of time allocated for the repairs. This answer depends on many factors. The extent of the damage to the vehicle, the auto shop’s schedule, and the availability of parts all play a role in determining your repair time. If your car needs a simple fix, you might be a few days without your vehicle. However, vehicles with severe damage could spend one to several weeks in the shop. You should also know that there can be delays in the repair process. Make sure to plan for all scenarios so that you are not stuck without any transportation.

 

9 – Does The Auto Body Shop Provide Rentals Or Loaner Vehicles?

Everyone depends on a vehicle to get them around town. When you don’t have a car, it can be a major inconvenience. For the most part, you will need a rental vehicle. Some auto body repair shops have a rental car facility near their building. They might even offer a special rate from the local rental companies in the area. In a few cases, the auto body shop has some courtesy cars for their customers. Most shops understand that you need a vehicle for the duration of the repair process. They will work with you to get a rental so that you are not stranded at the shop.

 

Rental Vehicles

 

10 – Will The Paint Match The Rest Of The Car?

Now that you’ve found the right auto body repair shop, you want to know about the quality of work. Most repairs require new paint on the vehicle’s surface. You want to make sure it matches the rest of the car. Professional repair shops use a paint code that is an exact match for your vehicle. However, you can always find out the specific process from your auto body shop.

With these few questions, you can find the right auto body repair shop to fix your vehicle.

 

Find An Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you want a professional repair for your vehicle, make sure to reach out to Elmer’s Auto Body. We have the experience to fix your car and get it back to its original condition. Our team is trained and certified to work on many different makes and models. You can schedule a consultation by calling the shop at (856) 218-0202.

How Auto Body Shops Identify Unseen Damage After a Collision

When you are involved in an accident, the damage might not be visible from the outside of the vehicle. Cars and trucks have plenty of hidden systems that help with the operation of the vehicle. When damage is not fixed, it can lead to costly repair bills for you. However, hidden damage cannot hide from a specially trained technician. If your car has been involved in an accident, a professional auto body shop can find that unseen damage and get your vehicle back on the road.

 

Types Of Hidden Auto Body Damage

After an accident, you need to bring your vehicle to a shop for an inspection. Those areas that look crumpled and dented will often have the most severe damage. While your car might look drivable, some issues can occur from a low or high-speed accident. An auto body technician will be able to find problems with the suspension, steering, brakes, or engine components. These issues are often not discovered until the vehicle is in the shop and on the lift. The most common forms of hidden damage are found around the crumple zones. You want these areas repaired to ensure proper drivability and maximum safety for your vehicle.

Here are some types of unseen damage you might find on your vehicle.

 

Bumper Damage

If your bumper is slightly dented in a crash, it could be hiding more severe damage below the surface. A trained body shop technician will often remove the bumper to check the components underneath the vehicle. The bumper and other parts are designed to absorb any impact. Once the bumper’s integrity is compromised, it doesn’t have those same safety features. You never want to ignore these issues. In the event of another accident, you can have some serious safety issues.

 

Bumper Damage

 

Brake Damage

Your brakes play an essential role in the safety of your vehicle. The force of an impact can damage those sensitive braking components. In some cases, the parts can loosen or break off from the car. If the accident was severe, you might even experience a leak in the brake line. When the brake lines are damaged, it can make your vehicle a safety hazard, and it will be unsafe to operate on the road. You will want to get your car in the shop as soon as possible.

 

Brake Damage

 

Suspension System Damage

The suspension system is often damaged in a crash, but you cannot tell it by looking at the vehicle. It doesn’t take much to damage these sensitive driving systems. You can drive too quickly on an unpaved road or hit a large pothole. As a result, you are left with suspension system damage. This system is used to maintain control of the vehicle. In other words, it is a critical system, and you will want to get it assessed by a professional auto body shop technician. The technician will check the shocks, struts, and springs to see if there is any damage. If anything needs to be repaired, the technician can replace these components.

 

Suspension Damage

 

Identifying Unseen Damage After A Collision

While you might be able to see a dented bumper, broken windshield, or scratched paint, there are times when damage is not visible. For those cars with automated driver assistance systems (ADAS) and other sensors, a slight bump can cause a significant amount of damage. After a collision, you want to bring your vehicle to a professional auto body shop. These professionals can determine if the damage has impacted the vehicle’s safety and performance features.

Since many newer vehicles use sensors to assist with driving, a crash can damage these components. Many of the components are located in the front or rear bumpers. Some safety sensors are also placed throughout the exterior and interior of the vehicle. These sensors work together with the onboard computer to help with parallel parking assistance, collision prevention, and backup assistance. After an accident, you want to ensure that all these systems are fully operational before you hit the road.

Fortunately, many auto body shops have ways to determine the hidden damages to your vehicle. Many professionals use diagnostic scanning to look for any issues. When you drop your car off at the shop, a diagnostic scan is performed on the entire vehicle. This system allows the technician to identify any hidden damage so that they don’t waste time on unnecessary repairs.

Unseen Damage

A repair technician will connect your car to a specialized scanner that performs the diagnostic assessment. If any Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) appear, the technician will be alerted to the problems. The scan performs an inspection of your car’s various features and programs. Any miscommunications or issues with those systems will throw out an error code. With this type of system, the technician can pinpoint any problems with your vehicle.

In some cases, the technician does have to physically remove a part to inspect the damage. Components might appear to work until a professional technician visually inspects them. For example, there are components in a bumper that may seem fine. However, the parts will not show damage until the cover is removed from the vehicle.

With these tools, the technicians can find the source of the damage and repair your vehicle. While you might receive an estimate from the body shop, you will not know the full extent of the damages until the car is thoroughly inspected. As the vehicle is dismantled, some additional issues will become apparent, such as broken components. It is essential to take your vehicle to an experienced and professional body shop. These technicians have the latest technology to diagnose your vehicle correctly.

 

Find A Great Auto Body Shop Near Me

If you are looking for an exceptional auto body shop, make sure to visit Elmer’s Auto Body. Our team has the equipment and experience to spot any unseen damage lurking in your vehicle. When we find any issues, our team can fix the problem and get you back on the road. You can schedule a consultation by calling (856) 218-0202.

What To Do If You Get Hit by An Uninsured Driver

You might not want to think about it, but millions of drivers do not have insurance. If an uninsured driver hits you, it can lead to many financial and legal headaches. There are a couple of things you can do to mitigate the damages. Here are a few tips on how to handle an accident when an underinsured or uninsured driver hits your vehicle.

 

Insurance Is Mandatory

Almost all states require their drivers to have liability coverage. However, some drivers don’t buy insurance for their vehicles. In many circumstances, the at-fault driver’s insurance pays for the damage. However, it gets complicated when an uninsured driver hits your vehicle.

 

Your State’s Insurance Laws

Your specific state plays an important role in the insurance claim process. Some states are considered tort states, and others are known as no-fault states. Depending on where you live, you will have to take a specific course of action.

Twelve states in this country are considered no-fault states. In those states, you have to pay for damages regardless of which driver caused the accident. For those accidents in a tort state, the at-fault driver must pay for any damages. Whether they have insurance or not, they are responsible for the damage.

For those no-fault states, you can pay for damages and continue on your way. However, a tort state means that you have to deal with the uninsured driver who caused harm. This process can be a lengthy headache for you.

 

The Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Coverage

The Insurance Research Council estimates that about 12.6 percent of motorists are uninsured. For that reason, it is important to have uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage. Many states require drivers to have this coverage for their vehicles. When you have an uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist insurance coverage, it will protect you when a driver without any coverage hits you. This type of insurance covers property damage, car repairs, and medical bills.

You cannot carry more coverage than your insurance plan. For example, if you have $100,000 of liability coverage, then that is how much you can have for UM and UIM coverage. However, you will need to verify these details with your insurance company.

Make a Police Report

After you have determined the driver’s fault, you will need to report the accident to the police. Insurance companies are reluctant to pay out on claims with uninsured drivers. They want valid evidence that you were not the at-fault driver. When you have a police report, it can help validate your claim. Don’t expect the police to rush to your location. It does take time for an officer to show up, but it will be worth the hassle.

You will need to exchange information at the scene, but that is often not enough for an insurance company. In fact, you never know if the information was valid from the other driver. A police report is your protection against any false claims. With this report, you will know that the other driver’s insurance and information are accurate.

 

File Your Claim

Once you have a police report, it is time to think about filing an uninsured motorist claim with your insurance. Your insurance will pay for property damage and medical bills. However, they will only pay up to a certain coverage amount.

You also want to file a claim as soon as possible. In most cases, you might only have 30 days to file an underinsured or uninsured motorist claim. For those without UM protection, you can often file a claim under your collision coverage. However, your policy will not pay for expenses related to your medical costs.

You should know that many insurance companies are reluctant to settle on an uninsured motorist claim without evidence. For that reason, you want to have that police report and keep all your receipts related to the vehicle’s repair. It is crucial to keep a record of medical care from the accident. If you can prove the accident caused injuries and damage, it is more likely that the insurance company will pay for your claim.

Along with that, you want to gather evidence that the other party was uninsured. You should collect this information after the accident. The more evidence you can gather from the accident, the better chance your claim will be approved. However, your claim can be denied. In this case, you might want to hire an attorney to prove the other driver’s negligence.

 

Go To Small Claims Court

If an uninsured driver damages your vehicle, you must file an insurance claim with the police report. However, this step depends on your specific circumstances. An uninsured motorist claim might not pay enough to cover your medical costs or repair bills. At this point, filing a case in small claims court might be an option for you. In some cases, the uninsured driver might lack reliable income and assets. You will have to decide if you want to waste time and money with a court case.

Many experts advise that you press charges if you have a chance at winning the court case. However, if the other party does not have savings, income, or assets, you might not walk away with any money. If you have any doubts, you should talk with an attorney who has experience with auto accident lawsuits.

Find an Auto Body Shop Near Me

It can be a hassle when an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. Whether they have insurance or not, you want to get your car back on the road. Once you have filed a claim, you can take your vehicle to a body shop for repairs. You want to find a professional auto body company that will restore your vehicle’s appearance.

At Elmer’s Auto Body, we can help with all your repair needs. Our team uses the latest repair techniques to fix your ride. We will make your car look as good as new. If you are ready for a consultation, please give us a call at (856) 218-0202.

What Is a Fender Bender, and How to Handle One?

When an accident occurs at a low speed, it is often considered a fender bender. The vehicles usually sustain most of the damage to the fenders. As a result, these vehicles need to visit a professional body shop for a fender repair. If you are worried about a fender bender, have no fear. Here are a few things you can do to manage the accident’s impact and get back on the road.

 

Causes Of Fender Benders

No matter the cause of a fender bender, you need to know how to handle these accidents. Fender benders can occur in a variety of ways. It is often the result of distracted driving. A sudden stop in traffic is the leading cause of most fender benders. Blindspots can also lead to an accident. For example, a driver backs out and collides with another car. These everyday situations can cause an accident.

 

How To Deal With A Fender Bender

Unfortunately, there is no standard way to deal with a fender bender. However, if you treat it like any other accident, you can move forward as quickly as possible. You can reduce your risk of a fender bender by avoiding any distractions, keeping your eyes on the road, and parking your car in a safe space. Despite all these precautions, a fender bender can happen at any time. When you know what to do in an accident, you can keep your composure to handle this stressful situation.

 

Steps To Follow After A Fender Bender

A fender bender can be a jarring experience. Here are a few things you should do to keep safe during this time.

 

Always Pull Over

After you have been hit, you want to stop your vehicle and flip on your hazard lights. It is a legal requirement in most states to stop after an accident. You should pull out of the driving lane and proceed to the shoulder or side of the road. If you have hit the car in front of you, make sure to follow the driver’s lead. For those hit from behind, signal to the other driver to follow your vehicle. You want to find a safe spot to exchange information and examine any damage. If you cannot move your car, stay in the vehicle and notify law enforcement.

 

Check On Driver And Passengers

Fender benders can cause injuries. You want to check on everyone involved in the accident. If there are injuries, do not move the person and immediately call 911. In some cases, you will not feel pain right away. However, after a few days, injuries in the neck and back can start to show up. You might even have issues with dizziness and soreness. It is important to visit your doctor after the accident. You want to get checked out by a professional within a day of the collision.

 

Call The Police

You want to call the police after a fender bender. Even if you cannot see any damage to your vehicle, it is vital to get the police involved. Filing a police report can help during the insurance claim process. Depending on the jurisdiction, fender benders will not warrant an immediate response from law enforcement.

Call The Police

Eyewitnesses Are Helpful

If anyone saw the fender bender, you want to get their information. With help from a witness, you can have an unbiased view of the accident, and it can settle disputes between the involved parties. It is vital to jot down the name, address, and phone number of these witnesses. When you have to deal with the insurance company, the claims adjuster usually requests this type of information.

 

Exchange Information

Before the police arrive, it is vital to write down the driver’s name, address, phone number, car description, license plate number, and insurance information. You want to quickly collect this information because some drivers might have a change of heart and refuse to cooperate. It is wise to ask for their driver’s license and insurance card to get their information. Try to gather as much information as possible.

 

Take Photos

Everyone has a camera on their smartphone. After the fender bender, you want to take photos of the damage. In most cases, the insurance company will ask for those photos to determine which driver was at fault for the accident. If possible, make sure to take a close-up picture of the road conditions and all the vehicles involved in the fender bender. When you have to deal with an insurance claim, you will be thankful for these pictures.

 

Take Photos

 

Call Your Insurance Company

It is crucial to call your insurance company and file a claim. You never want to handle repair costs with the other driver by yourself. In some cases, the driver can experience injuries after the accident. When that happens, you might be liable for any medical expenses. You always want to report these types of accidents to your insurance company.

 

Get Your Vehicle Repaired

Once you have submitted a claim, you can get your vehicle repaired. In some cases, the entire fender repair cost will be covered by the at-fault driver’s insurance company. However, you want to verify your financial responsibility with your company. After that, make sure to take your car to a professional auto body shop. They will help repair your vehicle and make it look as good as new.

 

How To Prevent A Fender Bender

If you want to prevent an accident, you need to practice defensive driving. There are a few things that you can do to limit the chance of a fender bender, such as:

  • Pay attention to traffic signs.
  • Turn off your phone as you drive.
  • Avoid tailgating and keep a safe distance from other cars.
  • Drive slowly in snow, rain, and other inclement weather conditions.

 

Looking For An Auto Body Shop Near Me?

If you have been involved in an accident, you want to find the right shop for your vehicle. At Elmer’s Auto Body, we can handle a fender repair. Our team will get you back on the road. Need a fender repair near me? You can schedule a consultation for your vehicle by calling our shop at (856) 218-0202.

Elmer's Auto Body